ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Khadi’s global popularity attracts foreign ambassadors to Khadi India Pavilion at IITF
Ambassadors appreciate diversity of Khadi Fabric
Khadi’s soaring global popularity grabbed the attention of the Thailand Ambassador to India, H.E. Ms. Pattarat Hongtong, and Oman Ambassador to India Mr. Issa Alshibani who visited the Khadi India Pavilion at the 41st India International Trade Fair-2022, on Friday.
Ambassadors lauded the global popularity of Khadi and clicked selfies with the portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the selfie point in Khadi pavilion. He was received by Shri Sanjeev Poswal, Director , Khadi and Village Industries Commission. Both the Ambassadors appreciated the sheer variety of products at the Khadi India Pavilion and the exquisite craftsmanship of Khadi artisans.
Ambassadors saw the live demonstration of yarn spinning on charkha, clay pottery making, Incense sticks  and handmade paper making while he also visited several other stalls displaying the finest handcrafted Khadi fabric, readymade garments, handmade jewellery, herbal health care products and a wide range of village industry products.
“I congratulate Khadi and Village Industries Commission for setting up such a grand Khadi India pavilion at IITF that has given Khadi artisans a big platform to sell their products. Khadi strikes a special chord between India and Thailand and the two countries would work out ways to come together in promoting Khadi across the world,” the Thai Ambassador said.
Source: KVIC
Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
Payroll Reporting in India – A Formal Employment Perspective
The National Statistical Office , Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released the report on Employment Outlook of the country covering the period September, 2017 to January, 2023 based on the administrative records available with selected government agencies to assess the progress in certain dimensions.
The report has considered number of new subscribers under three major schemes namely, Employees Providend Find , Employees’ State Insurance Scheme  and the National Pension Scheme . According to the Data released by NSO, 6,27,08,006 new subscribers joined the EPF Scheme during September 2017 to January 2023. Also 7,90,42,794 new subscribers joined the ESI Scheme during September 2017 to January 2023. Besides this, 40,90,393 new subscribers joined and contributed in the NPS Central Government, State Government and Corporate Schemes during September, 2017 to January, 2023. A detailed note is annexed.
Payroll Reporting in India: An Employment Perspective – January, 2023
Ministry of Home Affairs
Centre releases Rs. 414.90 crore and Rs. 552.00 crore to the cyclone “ BULBUL” affected states of West Bengal and Odisha respectively under SDRF
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, in a written reply to a question on the cyclone ‘Bulbul’ and the details of losses and persons killed in the cyclone, in Lok Sabha, said that based on preliminary estimate, State Government of West Bengal has reported loss of 11 human lives and 35.57 lakh people were affected and the State Government of Odisha has reported no loss of human life but a total of 38.08 lakh people were affected. Damages to infrastructure such as roads, bridges, houses, etc. have also been reported due to cyclone ‘Bulbul’, the Minister added.
On providing relief package and other assistance to the affected States by the Union Government, the MoS said that as on 1st April, 2019, Rs. 447.52 crore is available with State of Odisha and Rs. 264.70 crore is available with State of West Bengal under their State Disaster Response Fund . Further, during the year 2019-20, central share amounting to Rs. 414.90 crore to West Bengal and Rs. 552.00 crore to Odisha has already been released under SDRF by the Central Government. Additional financial assistance is extended from the National Disaster Response Fund  as per the laid down procedure.
Shri Reddy said that after the cyclone BULBUL, Central Government has constituted Inter-Ministerial Central Teams  for both the States, which have visited the cyclone Bulbul affected areas in these States. State Governments have not yet submitted their memorandum for seeking additional assistance from NDRF.
He further said that primary responsibility for disaster management rests with the State Government, however the Central Government extends all possible logistics and financial support to the States to supplement their efforts to meet the situation effectively.
The Minister informed the house that in case of disaster of high magnitude, where response of various Ministries of Central Government is required, National Crisis Management Committee  headed by Cabinet Secretary coordinates preparedness & response measures with the concerned Central agencies and State Governments.
Ministry of Railways
Best Ever Freight Performance of Indian Railways for FY 2022-23
Indian Railways achieves an originating Freight loading of 1512 MT in 2022-23
An incremental loading of 94 MT over the previous best of 1418 MT achieved in FY 2021-22 with a growth of ~7%
Indian Railways has recorded the best ever performance in its recorded history in terms of the output from the Freight Business in the Financial year 2022-23. As per the preliminary data IR has achieved an originating Freight loading of 1512 MT i.e an incremental loading of 94 MT over the previous best of 1418 MT achieved in FY 2021-22 with a growth of ~7%.
- The following graph depicts the growth of freight loading in the last 5 years
The freight transport unit i.e NTKM  of Indian railways have also clocked an impressive growth rate of 10 % to breach the 900 Bn mark for the first time to reach 903 Bn NTKMs in the FY 2022-23 as against 820 Bn NTKMs achieved last year.
IR has achieved an incremental loading of 74.6 MT in Coal, followed by 8.7 MT in Balance other goods, 5.6 in Cement & Clinkers, 7.1 MT in Fertilizers, 5 MT in containers and 4 MT in POL.
The sustained efforts of Indian Railways to increase supply of Coal to Power houses, in close coordination with Ministry of Power and Coal, have been one of the key features of the freight performance of IR in FY 2022-23. The loading of Coal  to Power Houses has increased by 84 MT in FY 2022-23 with 569 MT Coal being moved to Power houses as against 485 MT last year, i.e. a growth of 17.3 %.
Along with excellent performance in transporting coal to the Power houses , Increase in automobile loading has been another highlight of Freight Business in FY 2022-23 and 5527 rakes have been loaded in FY 2022-23 as compared to 3344 rakes last year i.e. a growth of 65%.
The commodity wise growth number show that IR has achieved growth in almost all commodity segments with the following growth rates :
|
|
Commodity
|
|
2021-22
|
|
2022-23
|
|
Variation 
|
|
% variation
|
|
Coal
|
|
653
|
|
728
|
|
75
|
|
11.4 %
|
|
Balance of Other Goods
|
|
118
|
|
129
|
|
11
|
|
9.3
|
|
Cement & Clinker
|
|
138
|
|
144
|
|
6
|
|
4.3%
|
|
Fertilizer
|
|
49
|
|
56
|
|
7
|
|
14.2 %
|
|
POL
|
|
45
|
|
48
|
|
3
|
|
6 %
|
|
Container
|
|
74
|
|
79
|
|
5
|
|
6.7%
With this, Indian Railways has had a streak of 31 straight months of best ever monthly freight loading which had started in September 2020.
The year saw IR’s performance excelling in passenger front as well with number of passenger patronising IRs Passenger business increased more than 80% to reach 623 Cr as compared to 344 Cr last year.
The Gross Freight revenues of Indian Railways are expected to be more than Rs 1.6 Lakh Cr with growth rate of ~14% and simultaneously the Passenger revenues are expected to exceed Rs 60,000 Cr with growth of more than 60% over last year .This growth in Passenger business complemented with Growth in Freight Business has led for the first time for the combined freight and passenger revenue of IR to cross the Rs 2 Lakh Cr mark with combined revenues expected to exceed Rs 2.2 Lakh Cr.
President's Secretariat
President of India's greetings on the eve of Milad-Un-Nabi
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu in her message on the eve of Milad-un-Nabi has said: -
“On the occasion of Milad-un-Nabi, which is celebrated to commemorate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, I extend my warm greetings to all the fellow citizens, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters.
Prophet Muhammad has given the message of peace and love to the world. His teachings inspire us to live with harmony and brotherhood.
Let us remember his ideals and work together for the welfare of humanity”.
Please click here to see the President's Message
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Manoj Kumar takes charges as Chairman of Khadi and Village Industries Commission
Shri. Manoj Kumar has assumed the charge as Chairman of Khadi and Village Industries Commission  under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. He will also be a Member of the Western Zone of the KVIC. Prior to this, he was working as an Expert Member of the Marketing section of KVIC.
(Visitor Counter : 12
Ministry of Defence
AIR WARRIOR CORPORAL AMAR SINGH DEVANDA BAGS SIXTH POSITION IN 24 HRS ULTRA MARATHON IN TAIWAN
24 Hrs Ultra Marathon was organised by Chinese Taipai Association of Ultra runners for 2022 at Soochow University, Taiwan. Cpl Amar Singh Devanda represented India in the event. A total of 31 runners comprising 21 males and 10 females from 5 countries participated in the event. The competition started at 0900 hrs on 03 Dec 22 and culminated at 0900 Hrs on 04 Dec 22. Cpl Amar bagged sixth position by covering a distance of 204.47 Kms. He covered 510 Laps  in the stadium in 24 Hrs.
Prior to this, during Asia-Ocenia 24 Hrs Championship 2022 held at Bengaluru, Cpl Amar covered 257.618 Kms on 03 Jul 22 thus creating a new national record. The Indian team lead by him stood first in the championship.
His efforts were highly appreciated by Air Marshal S Prabhakaran, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, Indian Air Force and was awarded with on the spot commendation by him on 08 Dec 22 for excellence in sports.
Prime Minister's Office
PM celebrates Gold Medal by Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Ojas in Archery Mixed Team Compound event at Asian Games 2022
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Ojas on winning the Gold medal in Archery Mixed Team Compound event at Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou.
The Prime Minister posted on X:
“First Gold Medal in Archery at the Asian Games!
Well done Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Ojas, for hitting the bullseye in the Mixed Team Compound event, leading to a perfect podium finish. Their exceptional skill, precision and teamwork has ensured great results. Congrats to them.”
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy celebrates AzadikaAmritMahotsav
Webinar organized on “Introduction of new modes in Solar Park Scheme”
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy  organized a webinar on “Introduction of new modes in Solar Park Scheme” as part of “AzadiKaAmritMahotsav" last week.
The objective of the webinar was to discuss the new modes that have been introduced in the Solar Park Scheme so that recommendations could emerge for better implementation of the scheme
The panelists were experts in the field of Renewable Energy, including those with experience in senior management of Central and State PSUs. The session was moderated by Senior Energy Specialist from World Bank, Ms. SurabhiGoyal. The Webinar saw active participation of close to 300 people which include representatives from State Government Departments, CPSUs, State nodal agencies and the public at large.
Advisor, MNRE gave the opening remarks in the webinar followed by a brief introduction and setting up the context remarks from the moderator. The participants were informed that as on date, 45 solar parks of cumulative capacity 37 GW have been approved under the Solar Park Scheme. Among these, around 18 GW have been approved under Mode-8 of the scheme.
The speakers then gave insights on various aspects of development of solar parks. They shared their views on how the new mode of implementation had helped setting up of solar parks. They also shared the challenges being faced in implementation.The speakers also suggested some changes/additions to the Solar Park Scheme. Advisor, MNRE highlighted that solar parks can be developed with projects of all forms of Renewable Energy.
Following this, the forum was opened to all participants for the Q&A session. There was active participation from the attendees and their queries were addressed by the panelists.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President urges people to promote and buy Indian handicrafts and handlooms
VP lays stress on ‘Vocal for Local’
VP calls for providing timely & affordable credit and creating marketing avenues to artisans
VP inaugurates an exhibition of handlooms & handicrafts products at Agartala
The Vice President, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu today called upon the people, particularly youngsters, to buy and promote Indian handicrafts, handlooms, Khadi and other products made by artisans instead of foreign items.
The Vice President, who is on a tour of the North- Eastern States, inaugurated an exhibition of handloom and handicraft products, went around the stalls and interacted with artisans, weavers and others at Agartala, Tripura.
Urging the people to be ‘Vocal for Local’, he said that he was hugely impressed by various products like Bamboo bottles, bamboo handbags,, artificial flowers, agarbati, Risha , mulberry silk products and agar tree perfume-oil that were on display.
Praising the talent and craftsmanship of the artisans, weavers and makers of other traditional products, he said they needed to be encouraged.
The Vice President said there was enormous talent and knowledge among Indians . India is uniquely blessed with a demographic dividend with about 65 % of the population below the age of 35 years and 50% below 25 years. He said the need of the hour is to identify the talent and impart training to artisans and craftspersons to upgrade their skills.
He also urged the Centre and various State Governments to accord more importance to providing timely and affordable credit and marketing avenues to artisans and weavers to enable them to generate income and stand on their own feet.
Shri Naidu appreciated the organisers, the State government and the North Eastern Council for organising the exhibition.
Shri Biplab Kumar Deb, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tripura, Shri Mevar Kumar Jamatia, Hon’ble Minister, Industry & Commerce  and Tribal Welfare, Shri K. Moses Chalai, Secretary, North Eastern Council and other dignitaries were present.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the passing away of Former Atomic Energy Commission chairman Dr. Srikumar Banerjee
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the passing away of Former Atomic Energy Commission chairman Dr. Srikumar Banerjee.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "Dr. Srikumar Banerjee will be remembered for his pioneering contributions to Indian science, especially in the areas of atomic energy and metallurgy. He was also an outstanding mentor and institution builder. Saddened by his passing away. Condolences to his family. Om Shanti."
DS/SH
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Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles passing away of Rajya Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh, Shri Hardwar Dubey
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief on the passing away of Rajya Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh, Shri Hardwar Dubey.
The Prime Minister tweeted:
“भाजपा के कर्मठ सांसद हरद्वार दुबे जी के निधन से अत्यंत दुख हुआ है। वे जमीन से जुड़े एक ऐसे नेता थे, जो उत्तर प्रदेश की विकास यात्रा में अपने अहम योगदान के लिए हमेशा याद किए जाएंगे। शोक की इस घड़ी में ईश्वर उनके परिजनों और प्रशंसकों को संबल प्रदान करे। ओम शांति!”
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Awareness towards good green
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change supports the States/Union Territories for carrying out afforestation activities through various Centrally Sponsored Scheme and funds under CAMPA to expand green cover across the country. The Ministry on various occasions like International Day of Forests, World Environment Day, Van Mahotsav, Wild life Week, International Day for Biological Diversity etc. disseminates knowledge in planting trees and other floral species which are naturally grown in a particular region through various Conferences, Workshops, Mass Plantation etc. State Forest Departments also promotes knowledge of local indigenous species of trees, herbs and shrubs along with their medicinal properties through Books, Pamphlets, Sign boards, Brochures etc.
The Ministry has also through its advisories issued from time to time to State/UT Governments on afforestation programs/activities emphasized that the plantation of locally suitable tree species should be on the basis of local climatic and soil conditions. The National Mission for a Green India also encourages the plantation of mixed indigenous species along with grasses, herbs, shrubs and tree species. Exotic and invasive plants are avoided in afforestation in forest areas.
The National Medicinal Plants Board , Ministry of AYUSH has also launched a Medicinal Plant species-specific campaign on Tinosporiacordifoliaviz ‘Amrita for Life’, for promotion and creating awareness. Further, NMPB has also launched, ‘20 medicinal plants for 2020’, campaign to promote, cultivate and to create awareness among local people about rich diverse traditional knowledge on medicinal plants.
This information was given by Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change in Rajya Sabha today.
Cabinet
Traders to get pension coverage!
Cabinet clears pension scheme for traders
3 crore retail traders and shop keepers to benefit from this move
PM Modi fulfils yet another promise on the first day in Government
India has a rich tradition of trade and commerce. Our traders continue to make a strong contribution to India’s economic growth.
In a decision that will benefit the trading community, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved a new scheme that offers pension coverage to the trading community. This is a part of the Prime Minister’s vision to provide a robust architecture of universal social security.
How the scheme works:
Under this scheme all shopkeepers, retail traders and self-employed persons are assured a minimum monthly pension of Rs. 3,000/- month after attaining the age of 60 years.
All small shopkeepers and self-employed persons as well as the retail traders with GST turnover below Rs. 1.5 crore and age between 18-40 years, can enrol for this scheme. The scheme would benefit more than 3 crore small shopkeepers and traders.
The scheme is based on self-declaration as no documents are required except Aadhaar and bank account. Interested persons can enrol themselves through more than 3,25,000 Common Service Centres spread across the country.
The Government of India will make matching contribution in the subscribers’ account. For example if a person with age of 29 years contributes Rs. 100/- month, then the Central Government also contributes the equal amount as subsidy into subscriber’s pension account every month.
Delivering a major promise on Day 1:
By imitating a pension architecture for the trading community, the Prime Minister and his team have fulfilled a major promise made to the people of India. Shri Modi had spoken about the need of proving pension for traders, that would assure them a life of dignity and financial security especially when during their old age.
This decision can also be seen in the light of several other steps taken for the welfare of traders, small and medium business. The GST underwent significant simplification after taking feedback of the trading community. In the same way, Mudra loans gave wings to the entrepreneurial zeal of young India. Loans upto Rs. 1 crore are now easily available.
These, and many more efforts would help the trading community.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Committee headed by Justice Rajesh Bindal submits report on Inter-country removal & retention of children, to the WCD Minister
Committee recommends setting up of ‘Inter Country Parental Child Removal Disputes Resolution Authority’
The Committee headed by Justice Rajesh Bindal, Judge, High Court of Punjab & Haryana, Chandigarh, submitted its report today on legal issues related to inter country removal & retention of children, and recommends on addressing the problems of parents and children involved in such issues. The Ministry of Women and Child Development had appointed the Committee. After detailed deliberation and examinations of various aspects of inter country removal and restoration of Children, the Committee has submitted the report to Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, Minister for Women and Child Development.
Stressing upon the need for mediation as the first step, the Committee has recommended that the Government may establish an ‘Inter Country Parental Child Removal Disputes Resolution Authority’. The authority has been envisaged to provide a one window solution in cases of inter country removal and retention of Children.
Justice Bindal Committee has recommended that the Authority may be chaired by a retired High Court Judge, with Members from Legal and Social sector background along with representatives from key Ministries.
The Committee has recommended that the Authority may examine the inter country cases of removal and retention of children vis-a-vis the cultural context, merit of the case, and the best interest of the Child. Along with its recommendation, the Committee has also submitted a draft legislation to the Government. The Committee was also requested to study the draft of the International Child Abduction bill, prepared by the Law Commission.
The WCD Ministry will be sharing the report with Ministry of External Affairs, Law Ministry and Ministry of Home Affairs for their comments and inputs.
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Village Engineers programme to be rolled out in Gujarat soon
Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar holds meeting with Gujarat MPs &Ministers
Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship  Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar held discussions with Members of Parliament and Ministers from Gujarat on creating targeted skilling opportunities for the tribal youth in their local areas to reduce the pull for migration.
The deliberations, held under the "Skill Samwaad" series yesterday, focussed on the "Village Engineers" programme that will be rolled out in the state soon.
Emphasizing on the need to make opportunities available locally, Shri Chandrashekhar said under the programme, the tribal youth will get multiple skill training so that they can participate in the economic activities in their respective districts. The State government and the Centre must act in coordination to implement the programme, he added.
Opportunities in the areas of Electric Vehicles , drone manufacturing, organic food manufacturing, mango processing, textile manufacturing and more were discussed.
The meeting also deliberated on the suggestions for empowering women, especially in the handloom and handicraft sectors, enhancing livelihood prospects, using local resources and inculcating entrepreneurial skills.
The programme which is consistent with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Self Reliance or AtmaNirbharta aims to ensure inclusive development for all communities.
Recently, the village engineer programme was launched from Madhya Pradesh to train the tribal youth by providing them a basket of skills together. The first batch of village engineers have also been conferred recognition in form of certification.